Legislation that would require schools to inform parents when their child is likely to face serious disciplinary action has passed the House of Delegates 98-0 and Thursday survived the Senate Education and Health Committee on an 8-7 vote. However, the education establishment is ramping up its effort to defeat this simple attempt at improving parental involvement.

The bill, patroned by Delegate Kaye Kory (D-38, Fairfax), simply would require schools to notify parents if their child violates a school policy or misses school and that action "is likely" to lead to the child's suspension from school. The hope is that the earlier parents are involved, the better; and perhaps suspension or more serious consequence can be avoided.

Unfortunately, the Virginia School Boards Association and other educrats oppose the bill because it would be "too burdensome” on schools. One would think schools want to have parental involvement as soon as possible to avoid escalating discipline problems and, as mom used to say, "nip it in the bud" before it becomes a serious problem.

We'd say their opposition is incredible (literally, without credibility), not to mention the conventional meaning of the word (i.e., shocking), but nothing the education establishment does to block reform surprises us and never will. But this just might be (as in a very close vote)one common sense reform that escapes the educrats' grip. The bill should be voted on by the full Senate as early as Monday or Tuesday.